African civil societies meet in Kigali

MEMBERS of the Civil Society organizations in Africa have been called upon to always advocate for democracy and development in their respective countries. The call was made by Paul Okumu, who heads the secretariat of the Africa Civil Society Platform on Principled Partnership (ACPPP), during a one-day meeting that brought together continental activists in Kigali yesterday. Okumu urged Rwanda’s Civil Society Platform (RCSP) to always share their views and experiences regarding promotion of development and advocate for democracy in various ways on the African continent. “As members of Civil Society institutions in Africa, we will be more successful in sustainability if we learn from each other, support one another, engage donors and build our capacities,” Okumu said. Speaking to The New Times shortly after the event, he said that ACPPP is a rallying point for CSOs across the continent to ensure guaranteed space for development and democracy. He said that the platform was formed in July this year by over twenty organizations. Eugene Rwibasira, the spokesperson of Rwanda Civil Society Platform, said that ACPPP seeks to develop options to improve the operating environment of civil societies across Africa, particularly in Rwanda. He added that they strive to reverse negative laws on development and democracy while working with governments, regional bodies and other actors to ensure positive policies for civil societies. Ends

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African civil societies meet in Kigali